Business Beat Editor's Blog

Apr 2, New feature - Company news briefs

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 17:04:28 -0400

News alerts about publicly traded companies in Canada.

Mar 16, BC home sales to rebound in 2014

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 01:06:00 -0400

Home sales are expected to decline across the country in 2013 with British Columbia seeing only a small decline, states the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) in its forecast released yesterday.

However, BC is expected to see a 9.5 per cent increase in sales from 66,000 in 2013 to 72,300 in 2014. Sales in 2012 were 67,637.

A modest rebound in BC home prices will contribute to a higher Canadian average price increase in 2014. The CREA is forecasting average prices of $502,000 in 2013 and 508,400 in 2014. The average home price in 2012 was $514,836, above the national average of $363,346. The average Canadian home price forecasted for 2013 is $362,600 and $368,700 in 2014.

Overall, the picture is stable, though the CREA says buyers should talk to their realtor about their local markets.

“Mortgage rules are expected to remain as they are, so sales should be less volatile than they have been in recent years,” stated Gregory Klump, CREA’s chief economist in a press release. “Interest rates are also expected to remain low as the economy grows and adds jobs, which is supportive for the resale housing market.”

Feb 24, Port Metro Vancouver launches trucking strategy

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:15:50 -0500

Port Metro Vancouver announced a strategy for improved efficiency and reliability in the container truck sector on Thursday.

The Smart Fleet trucking strategy, a three-year action plan, has identified the following key initiatives:

The expanded use of GPS communications to track supply chain excellence will move forward in 2013.
PMV, industry and government are jointly funding research, through the Clean Transportation Initiative, to identify technology-based solutions to improve sustainability.
The Container Drayage Leadership Team (CDLT) provides a forum for terminal operators and industry leaders to work openly to solve drayage challenges.
PMV has introduced a Container Vessel On-time Incentive Program to encourage container vessel operators to arrive on schedule and thereby contribute to overall supply chain consistency.
A Truck Licensing System (TLS) review that will lead to enhanced performance, safety and environmental standards.
Container capacity improvement projects continue with the Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project and the South Shore Corridor Project.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is contributing $300,000 towards installing 700 GPS units in trucks calling at the port. The Canadian government has also invested $31 million into the $75-million South Shore Corridor Project to enhance port operations. Container traffic through Canada’s Pacific Gateway is expected to double over the next 10 to 15 years and nearly triple by 2030.

“In 2012, container traffic at Port Metro Vancouver reached a new record of 2.7 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) and that number will continue to grow,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “Given that a large proportion of container traffic moves to and from the terminals by truck, improvements to reliability and efficiency are vital."

Feb 23, Report helps Canadians prioritize debts or savings

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:36 -0500

A new CIBC report is designed to help Canadians decide whether to focus on debt or long-term savings.

The RRSP, the TFSA and the Mortgage: Making the best choice, by Jamie Golombek, CIBC's Managing Director of Tax & Estate Planning, illustrates the various factors Canadians need to consider when making an informed decision - a decision complicated by increasing household debt, a low interest rate environment, and the introduction of the TFSA.

The five factors to consider when deciding how to maximize savings are: the expected rate of return on your investments; the interest rate on your debt; your current and anticipated personal tax rates; your time horizon; and investment risk.

Feb 22, Port Metro Vancouver reports one per cent growth in 2012

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:23:01 -0500

Port Metro Vancouver reported that it handled one percent more foreign and domestic cargo in 2012 in a press release on Feb. 15.

The port handled 124 million tonnes of cargo through the end of December, which was attributed to growth in Asian economies as well as a strong Canadian economy.

“In order to best support Canada’s international and domestic trade, Port Metro Vancouver is seeking ways to engage with communities and improve the Port’s long-term sustainability,” stated Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “This Gateway must thrive so that we can continue to support the B.C. economy – but we must also grow in a way that balances the impacts of major projects with effects on local communities, delivering benefits for all residents in the Lower Mainland and for Canada, while serving the operational and capacity requirements of Port Metro Vancouver’s customers.”

Feb 10, Harbour Publishing buys D&M assets

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:35:59 -0500

Harbour Publishing announced on Wednesday that it had formed an alliance with Douglas & McIntyre that will save the publisher from bankruptcy.

Harbour owners Howard and Mary White reached an agreement to purchase assets of the D&M Publishers Inc. imprint.

Douglas & McIntyre will operate as a separate company with its own editorial direction and its titles will continue to be distributed by Harper Collins in Canada with no interruption in service.

Jan 26, Former Chamber director nominated NDP candidate in Chilliwack

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 23:04:06 -0500

Former Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Patti MacAhonic was nominated to run in the 2013 provincial election in the Chilliwack-Chilliwack riding.

New Democrat MLA Gwen O’Mahony was acclaimed as the candidate in neighbouring Chilliwack-Hope at the same meeting on Jan. 19.

MacAhonic is the former Executive Director of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce. She has lived in Chilliwack for over 20 years, previously working for the BC Wildlife Federation and the British Columbia Brain Injury Association, and has an MBA from Royal Roads University.

“Gwen and Patti are great representatives for Chilliwack,” said BC NDP leader Adrian Dix, leader in a press release. “They are community-minded people who believe we can make this province better for you and your family.”

Jan 24, Tips for online retirment planning

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:41:50 -0500

TD Direct Investing offers tips for managing your investments and planning your retirement online.

Jan 2, Canadians make debt a priority for 2013

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 23:54:05 -0500

For the third year in a row Canadians named paying down debt their top financial priority, according to a CIBC poll.

Dec 23, New Year’s Resolutions: Do you really want what you think you want?

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 18:41:53 -0500

Learn to overcome failed New Year's Resolutions by assessing your true desires before setting goals. Columnist Monica Regan describes how to set meaningful goals for 2013

Dec 3, Open Media launches Connected Future Fund

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 22:51:24 -0500

Open Media launched its Connected Future Fund to help fund global activism on internet freedom issues.

Nov 24, Trans Mountain talks pipelines

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:02:22 -0500

Trans Mountain hosts community consultation sessions on pipeline expansion.

Oct 28, Align your success with your values

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:07:43 -0400

Can career success bring happiness? Only if your achievements are in alignment with your values, says columnist Monica Regan.

Oct 20, Universities call for expanded post-secondary education access in BC

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 23:41:20 -0400

BC’s six research universities called for an expanded access to post-secondary education to help create jobs and opportunities for young people.

The “Opportunity Agenda” was presented to the BC Legislature’s Select Standing Committee on Finance on Oct. 18.

The three-point plan called for a space for every qualified student; a guarantee for students in need; and a commitment to innovation and jobs.

The plan calls for 11,000 new spaces in graduate, undergraduate, college and trade programs, expansion of student financial aid to include grants, loan reductions, and graduate scholarships and increased funding for research and innovation. The additional spaces were estimated to cost $130 million and the financial aid reforms $51 million.

“Acting on these priorities will help put a post-secondary education within reach of all qualified and willing British Columbians,” said George Iwama, chair of the Research University Council of BC and president of UNBC in a press release. “In today’s economy, where people and knowledge are British Columbia’s most important assets, post-secondary education is the best investment we can make in our future.”

Read the submission here.

Oct 20, Book shines light on Italian history in BC

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 15:38:32 -0400

Lynne Bowen's 2011 book, Whoever Gives Us Bread, demonstrates how the history of Italians in BC is tied to the economic development of the province.

Aug 28, How the subconscious can stand in your way

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:59:56 -0400

Why is it so hard to change our habits and achieve our goals. It could be your subconscious that's standing in your way, says columnist Monica Regan, author of the DREAM Power Goal system.

Aug 25, UVic develops commercial UAV prototypes

Sat, 25 Aug 2012 08:12:24 -0400

The University of Victoria (UVic) has received $670,000 in federal funding for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it was announced on Friday.

"This funding allows us to make new advances in an area of aerospace research that has exciting commercial potential for Canada, with a broad range of applications, including search and rescue, forest firefighting and aerial mapping of crops," stated UVic President David Turpin.

A UVic press release states that civilian commercial applications of UAVs have been limited by cost. UVic plans to produce “a family of airframe prototypes that can be readily customized for commercial and research purposes.” This technology will be available for licensing by industry.

The technology is being developed at the university’s new Centre for Aerospace Research located near Sidney, BC.

Aug 14, West Van residents express concerns about pipeline plan

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 23:50:18 -0400

Kitsilano and Point Grey residents gathered last month to learn more about plans by Kinder Morgan to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline.

Aug 2, Protect your home while on vacation

Thu, 2 Aug 2012 00:03:36 -0400

Tips to help keep your home safe while you're on vacation from Gary Lok, owner of Integritas Security Group.

Jul 27, Discover the power of giving

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:44:43 -0400

Taking time to give back can help goal settings reignite their momentum, says columnist Monica Regan, author of the DREAM Power Goal system.

Jul 21, App maps out rentals in Victoria

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 23:06:27 -0400

For those looking to rent in Victoria, two university students have invented the ultimate app.

Computer Science PhD students Jamie Starke and Lars Grammel have created a mapping tool to allow renters to find places for rent in proximity to their work, school or public transit routes. Users can then access the rental details.

"When I was looking to rent a place here, I was frustrated by the amount of time I had to spend talking to property management companies to make sure I was aware of everything on the market," says Starke. "Then I had to look at a map and sort out whether the location works for me. That's when I decided to take matters in my own hands and create something that would allow users to do both easily and in one online location."

The rental tool was created through the University of Victoria's Computer Human Interaction Software Engineering Lab (CHISEL) and can be developed for other markets.

Visit http://victoria.rentalmap.co/index.html#.UAtsbUTOIku.

Jul 4, YVR rolls out plans for discount outlet

Wed, 4 Jul 2012 20:29:58 -0400

The Vancouver Airport Authority displayed plans for a new designer discount outlet at two open houses last week in Richmond.

Jun 29, New technology tackles leaky roofs

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:45:36 -0400

New made-in-Vancouver technology by SMT simplifies leak detection for flat concrete roofs.

Jun 24, Have your say on Vancouver transportation plan

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:30:56 -0400

The City of Vancouver is inviting local residents to have their say on future transportation plans until July 13.

Last spring, the city met with stakeholders, including residents, business and industry representatives, to get ideas for Transportation 2040, it’s long-term plan on transportation. Now, residents can have a say on those ideas, before the draft transportation plan is presented to council in the fall.

“There are over 180 proposed concepts and transportation ideas as part of Phase 2 Transportation 2040, ranging from new and upgraded cycling routes and pedestrian corridors, to priority measures for public transit service and strategies that enhance goods movement and strengthen our local economy,” stated the city in a press release.

City staff will also be presenting information about the transportation plan at community meetings and events this summer.

Visit the survey at talkvancouver.com/transportation.

Jun 22, Ingredients for great workplaces

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:01:23 -0400

The Health Work & Wellness Group, experts in creating better workplaces, have identified six business elements that are found in extraordinary organizations around the world.

Jun 17, Coop students gain a competitive edge

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 23:46:14 -0400

A coop program can give a student a competitive edge on the post-graduation job search. Simon Fraser grad Fahad Yasin is one student who received real world experience through Simon Fraser University.

Jun 15, Stop trying to improve yourself

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 23:24:42 -0400

Is your desire to improve interfering with self-acceptance? Learn how to realize your goals without putting yourself down with columnist Monica Regan, author of the DREAM Power Goal System.

Jun 10, Viaduct plan calls for revitalization

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:42:03 -0400

Vancouver viaduct plan calls for pedestrian friendly streets, bike lanes and revitalized neighbourhoods.

May 25, World's most powerful microscope lands at UVic

Fri, 25 May 2012 19:53:37 -0400

The University of Victoria (UVic) is now home to the world’s most advanced microscope, the seven-tonne, 4.5-metre tall Scanning Transmission Electron Holography Microscope (STEHM).

The microscope was custom-built in Japan by Hitachi High Technologies Canada and is the highest-resolution microscope in the world, according to a UVic press release.

"This machine will be used for thousands of different types of research by scientists from around the world, who are already lining up to use it," says Rodney Herring, a professor of mechanical engineering and director of UVic's Advanced Microscopy Facility.

The microscope will benefit research in medical and environmental diagnostics, communications, computers, alternative energy and manufacturing.

The microscope facility is supported by $9.2 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund and UVic, as well as significant in-kind support from Hitachi.

May 23, Get off the happiness treadmill

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:17:45 -0400

Does achieving your goals leave you dissatisfied? Columnist Monica Regan talks about how to hold on to happiness when the feeling of achievement fades.

May 22, Building gives back to the environment

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:27:50 -0400

Can a building give back to its surroundings? Researchers at the University of British Columbia's Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) want to prove that it can be done.

May 15, Nominate a top BC exporter

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:42:24 -0400

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) BC Division and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation are looking for the province’s top exporters.

Yesterday, May 14, the call went out for nominations for the 30th Anniversary of the BC Export Awards.

All British Columbian companies that have been exporting a product or service for two or more years are eligible for nomination. Awards are made in the categories of Sustainability, Leadership, New Exporter, Professional Services, Manufactured Products, Natural Resources, Advancing Technology & Innovation, Consumer Products, Digital Media & Entertainment and International Business Studies. New for the 30th Anniversary, the Premier’s Award for Job Creation will be awarded to a company who through a financial investment has created expansion or new opportunities for sustained job growth.

“The BC Export Awards program promotes and honours BC’s Top 25 Exporters as corporate role models in order to stimulate greater involvement in exporting among all facets of the province’s business community,” stated Minister Pat Bell in a press release. “It is important for us as a province, to tell these success stories, to show BC how companies are succeeding in global markets. We want to be able to tell British Columbians the good things that are being done and encourage other businesses to follow these leaders as we try to grow our economy, increase jobs and enhance our quality of life.”

The awards reception and luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver on November 23.

To nominate an exporter or apply on behalf of your company, visit bcexportawards.com for more details. The deadline for nominations is June 15, and the application deadline is July 20.

May 11, Book examines forestry practices in Canada

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:27:23 -0400

Canada’s forests. Policies for Sustainably Managing Canada’s Forests: Tenure, Stumpage Fees, and Forest Practices examines Canada's practices with a goal to encourage sustainable economic, environment

May 11, Series kicks off conversation in Vancouver

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:17:16 -0400

City Conversations invites Metro Vancouver residents to the Harbour Centre for lunch-time dialogue about regional issues.

May 4, Living wage on the rise reports CCPA

Fri, 4 May 2012 14:33:17 -0400

Both parents in a family of four must earn $19.14 to meet the living wage in Metro Vancouver, according to a report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

The report, Working for a Living Wage 2012: Making Paid Work Meet Basic Family Needs in Metro Vancouver, was released on April 26 in partnership with First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, and the Metro Vancouver Living Wage for Families Campaign.

The report studies what parents would have to earn to meet their basic needs, once government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies have been taken into account.

“The living wage should not be confused with the minimum wage, which is the legislated minimum set by the provincial government,” stated report co-author Iglika Ivanova of the CCPA in a press release. “The living wage calls on employers to pay wages that reflect the actual costs of living in their communities and that are high enough to provide a basic level of economic security to families with children.”

This is the third annual report, and the living wage has increased from $18.81 last year due to increases in shelter, child care and Medical Services Plan premiums.

For more information, visit the CCPA online.

Apr 20, Vision boards can help bring dreams to reality

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:44:00 -0400

Columnist Marcy Schacter discusses how creating a vision board can help people achieve their goals.

Apr 20, Turn dreams into reality

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:39:10 -0400

Holding on to your dreams is an important step in realizing goals. Columnist Monica Regan describes how she did it.

Apr 19, Get it in writing: Decision protects businesses

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:27:05 -0400

New policy change by the CRA helps protect small businesses from unfair audits, says guest columnist Laura Jones of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Apr 10, Coping with ADD as a solo entrepreneur

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:40:53 -0400

Kelowna author Marilyn Strong talks about coping with ADD/ADHD as a business owner and her new book, Getting Paid to Pay Attention: Why Your Business Suffers From A.D.D. and How to Fix It.

Apr 5, Guest blog: Free healthy events in BC

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 19:36:06 -0400

By Tanya Bennett

During the week of May 7-13, 2012, naturopathic doctors across Canada will be conducting free healthy living events for Naturopathic Medicine Week. Dr. Jeffrey Lee of Brio Integrative Health Centre, Richmond, is coordinating the BC Naturopathic Medicine Week on behalf of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association. Naturopathic Doctors all over BC will open their doors to the general public, offering free seminars and open houses. In Prince George, Dr. Ingrid Pincott's Tasting Day on May 8 includes food tasting, goodie bags, and free candida testing. In New Westminster, The Boucher Institute, a naturopathic medical college, is holding an open house and two free seminars on May 12.

The Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic in Victoria, BC is holding open houses and free seminars every day from May 7-12.

While the focus of this event is to increase awareness of naturopathic medicine with the general public, Dr. Lee also sees this annual event as an opportunity for professionals working in naturopathic medicine to connect with each other.

Check out bcnaturopathicweek.ca, facebook.com/bcnaturopath, or @bcnaturopath on Twitter for event details.

Tanya Bennett's company Full Serve Web, Inc manages web projects and marketing initiatives for businesses and is working with the BCNA to promote BC Naturopathic Medicine Week.

Apr 4, Daycare offers parents flexibility

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 19:15:50 -0400

New Vancouver business brings flexibility to the world of childcare for stay-at-home parents and the self-employed.

Apr 4, Business confidence falls in March: CFIB

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 18:33:09 -0400

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), says business confidence in BC fell for the second month in a row in March.

The results are part of its Business Barometer, a monthly report based on a survey of members. Compared to other provinces, BC ranks eighth in terms of “optimism” according to the report. In first place was Alberta (74.6) and Saskatchewan (72).

The survey says BC checked in at 63.8 on its index, while a number between 65 and 75 indicate a “growing economy.”

Forty-nine per cent of businesses in BC say the overall state of business is satisfactory, 31 per cent say it is good, and 19 per cent say it is bad.

Survey respondents complained about fuel and energy costs and insufficient domestic demand. The survey was based on 821 responses.

Mar 29, Website seeks to verify honest professionals

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:00:39 -0400

Entrepreneur Gordon Skillen wants to help honest professionals gain their clients' trust, through his new online business, iHonest.com.

Mar 23, How language can hold you back

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:33:45 -0400

Language has the power to stand in the way of our goals, writes columnist Monica Regan, author of The DREAM Power Goal System: Five Simple Steps to Achieve Any Goal, Guaranteed!

Feb 29, Relax into success

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:51:52 -0500

Columnist Sarah Evans writes about clinical hypnotherapist Nicolette Eus and how hypnotherapy can help align the subconscious with one's goals.

Feb 17, Use the power of visualization to achieve your goals and dreams

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:39:49 -0500

Columnist Monica Regan, author of DREAM Power Goal System: Five Simple Steps to Achieve Any Goal, Guarenteed!, discusses how to use visualization to achieve your dreams.

Feb 17, Collaboration essential in watershed governance

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:15:00 -0500

Conference on watershed governance in BC and Canada emphasizes need for collaboration.

Feb 10, Public sector wages need to be brought in line

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:37:19 -0500

Laura Jones, senior vice-president, Research, Economics & Western Canada with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says public sector wages and benefits need to be brought in line wi

Feb 9, BC Business Beat Classifieds

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 16:05:46 -0500

BC classified ads: employment, real estate, rental, items for sale, services.

Feb 2, Young job seekers urged to get involved

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:42:17 -0500

XYBOOM conference was an opportunity for youth to hear advice about how to get their foot in the door in a challenging job market.